The Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds

Katherine Heigl gets her 'One for the Money' co-star to open up about her life and latest role

Debbie Reynolds and Katherine Heigl star in One for the Money. — Photo by Ron Batzdorff/Lionsgate

Movie legend Debbie Reynolds plays Katherine Heigl’s contentious grandmother, Grandma Mazur, in the new action comedy One for the Money. Heigl sat down with the 79-year-old star for a chat.

Q: Debbie, you really embraced Grandma’s character. Why did the role appeal to you so much?

A: She is feisty, rowdy and full of the devil! She wants to make things a little troublesome around the house — and she succeeds.

Q: You’re a grandmother off the set as well — how great is that?

A: It’s a special happiness and joy! I have one granddaughter, Billie [age 19, by daughter Carrie Fisher]. I adore her. It’s wonderful to be with her and share stories. The most important wisdom I’d share with her is, “Listen, and try to be patient.”

Q: How did you manage both your career and raising children?

A: Naturally I believe you can have children and work. Haven’t we done this for hundreds of years? I did this and raised five children [including three stepchildren from her ex-husband Harry Karl]. It’s always hard work, but it is so worth the effort.

Q: Did you ever think of quitting?

A: I always imagined that by the time I reached 40 or 50, my leading lady days would be over and I’d retire quietly to the mountains and open a knitting store.